Great Budget Drums for Beginners ($250 and under)

So many choices, so little time! Welcome to the incredible world known as being a drummer!

Being behind the drum set is a magical place for me…the tones that create different colors and textures as you play, cymbals that cut through songs like butter, and that beautiful snare drum that brings life to every downbeat. It can feel like you’re practically the Picasso of drums!

I wanted to help you choose a beginning drum set by sharing some of my thoughts on the matter. Because I know that when you walk into a store with all the incredible options for drums, it can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s a picture to give you an idea of what I’m talking about!

So…if you’re just starting out on the drums and want to find your own magic without breaking the bank, here are 3 sets great for beginning drummers that are just under $250!

Here’s a link to break down some of the “drum lingo” that I cover below in this article.

1. PDP Z5 Series
An older version of this PDP series was the first kit I owned when starting to play the drums. I couldn’t tell the difference between a $2,000 drum kit and this PDP when I was still learning…and chances are you won’t either! It’s a very basic 5 piece kit that comes with only the shell and not the hardware. This kit sells for about $250 (sometimes in the $170 range if you buy it used). This may be the most expensive set on the list considering that hardware does not come with it but, in my opinion, it might also be the best sounding.

2. Pearl Export
This is a classic drum set with which many drummers started (including the phenomenal drummer Thomas Pridgen). You can find it used for under $200; it also only comes with the shell. Although it doesn’t come with hardware, it’s a lot cheaper to buy this and purchase the hardware separately. This set might be the best budget friendly option for aspiring drummers.

3. Ddrum D1 5-Piece Junior Drum Set
Finally, another great option, particularly for kids, would be the ddrum junior drum set. If you don’t feel like looking for a drum throne, cymbals, sticks, hi-hat, etc., this kit is what you need. It is well suited for aspiring drummers aged 5 to 8 who are trying to get a feel for the drums. It’s a lot smaller than the other two kits and would not be ideal for a heavy hitting teenager or adult. The greatest part about this kit is that it takes care of everything you need–one stop shopping–for only $250.

That’s it! All the drum sets covered in the article are by no means the only good options out there! To find out which one works best for you, ask your local music store if you can test it out to get a feel for it. If you have more suggestions or think we missed one, comment below and let us know your thoughts on some great drum sets for beginners.

Happy drumming!

About The Author, Genesis Valentine

“Genesis Valentine is a passionate writer and actively manages social media to be the “voice” of Blue Bear. As the Marketing Assistant at Blue Bear she designs posters and graphics, while also shooting and editing videos for promos. Outside of Blue Bear, she dabbles in guitar, songwriting, music production, bass and piano but is a drummer at heart. As a drummer of 14 years, she often writes from a musician’s perspective and shares the many helpful lessons and tips she’s learned along the way. Besides being a chronic music addict, she spends her free time binge watching Netflix, eating pupusas, learning photography and making friends as a passionate language learner of Spanish. As the “voice” of Blue Bear, make sure to join the conversation on social media, blogs and crash the party on Blue Bear’s Instagram!”